Duluth Police Press Release: Male arrested for multiple pending charges

At approximately 12:30 a.m., Monday, April 7, Duluth Police responded to a report of an unwanted individual in the 200 block of North 1st Avenue East. Upon arrival, officers learned that an unknown male entered an apartment holding a fire extinguisher and exited after the homeowner confronted him. Upon further investigation, officers linked the male to an earlier incident that occurred where a fire extinguisher had been stolen, and a fire alarm was activated in the 300 block of South Lake Avenue.

As officers entered the building, several tenants reported smoke in the hallways and sightings of a male running with a fire extinguisher. Residents started to evacuate the building due to the male pulling the fire alarm.

Officers continued to clear the apartment complex and search for the male. Another 911 caller stated a male broke into their apartment, stole a firearm, and discharged the firearm in the hallway before fleeing on foot. The suspect made contact with another individual, pointed the firearm at them, and continued to flee. He then knocked on another apartment, where the residents let him in, believing him to be police. They then exited the residence where officers observed the suspect fleeing the scene, hiding behind other residents who were evacuating the building. Officers gave him commands, where he continued to flee on foot, discarding the firearm. A short foot pursuit ensued, and 42-year-old Duluth resident Benjamin Conway was apprehended and transported to a local hospital.

Once cleared, he will be lodged at the County Jail for pending charges of 2nd Degree Assault, two counts of 1st Degree Burglary, Threats of Violence, Reckless Discharge of a Firearm, Criminal Damage to Property, Fleeing from Officers, Tampering with a Fire Alarm, and Felon in Possession of a Firearm. There were no reported injuries, and stolen items were recovered at the scene. This incident remains an active and ongoing investigation.